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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Wigle, Frederick Ernest |
| Date of birth: | July 11th, 1913 (Hamilton/Ontario, Canada)
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| Date of death: |
April 14th, 1945 (Friesoythe/Free State of Oldenburg, Germany)
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| Buried on: |
Holten Canadian War Cemetery |
| Nationality: |
Canadian |
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (DSO)
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Rank:
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Lieutenant-Colonel
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Unit:
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The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's), 10th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian (Armoured) Divisi
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Action:
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Recommendation:
On 28 February 1945 Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada sp one sqn of 29th Canadian Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment was ordered to pass through Algonquin Regiment to seize and hold the East end of the Hochwald Forest gap (map ref 0440 1/25,000 sheet 4304 Xanten) and the high ground in the centre of the gap. Lt.col. F.E. Wigle was in command of the force.
The gap, a narrow break in the Hochwald Forest, was about 300 yards wide and was the only direct approach to the open country beyond. Algonquin Regiment had est a firm [ … ] at the Western end of the gap the previous day but had been meeting stiff opposition for over 24 hrs. It was apparent that the enemy intended to oppose strenuously any further penetration. Even for fresh tps, the task would have been extremely difficult, but for a battalion that had been fighting continuously for almost 48 hrs, it demanded supreme exertion from all ranks. Aided by tanks and artillery barrage the attack was launched at 0230 hrs and by 0400 hrs all the objective had been reached. Beginning at 0600 hrs the enemy shelled and mortared the area incessantly and during the ensuing 24 hrs they counter-attacked the position eight times with infantry sp by Tiger tanks. During this entire period Lt.col. Wigle was constantly forward with his leading coys encouraging his men and coordinating their defense. On one occasion the enemy shell fire was so intense that communication with the forward coy was practically impossible. As this coy had suffered highly casualties and another counter-attack on their sector seemed imminent, Lt.col. Wigle worked his way forward to their position to direct the organization of their defense. When the counter-attack commenced, he remained with the coy and directed their fire so effectively that the skill, initiative and daring displayed by this officer was directly responsible for the success of this difficult operation. His courage and complete disregard for personal safety was an inspiration to all ranks under his command.
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OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (OBE)
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Rank:
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Acting Lieutenant-colonel
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Unit:
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Headquarters, 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division
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Action:
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Recommendation:
Since Lt.col. Wigle joined this fmn in Augustus as GSO 1 the division had not been out with the enemy. During this period his comprehension of the broader picture and anticipation of enemy reactions has been invaluable. He has the faculty of grasping quickly the commander’s intention as it applies to the lower fmns and being able to ensure that it is carried out. In spite of the difficulties inherent in situations where information was never complete, Lt.col. Wigle did not show the strain or allow it to affect his judgment. His calm and decisive manner and his incisive speech have been a source of confidence to all ranks in this HQ. He had distinguished himself by his continuous attention to detail in planning operations during this period.
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